[Pixalo]

Sony today announced the launch of the Alpha 100, its first Digital Single Lens Reflex camera to carry the “alpha” name – Sony’s new D-SLR photography sub-brand.



Key features and specifications:

• 10.2 million effective pixels (10 Megapixel) APS-C size CCD Sensor
• Anti-dust protection system
• Super SteadyShot in camera body (switchable)
• Dynamic Range Optimiser
• BIONZ Image Processing Engine
• Maximum sensitivity: 1600 ISO equivalent
• 2.5” 230K pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen with AR coating and Clear Processing for
image review and function navigation
• Compatibility with Sony á-mount system lenses, including Sony G lens and Carl Zeiss
optics
• Bright Optical Viewfinder with Spherical Acute Matte screen, 20mm eye relief, 0.83x
magnification, dioptre adjustment and EyeStart Autofocus.
• High-speed Autofocus with 4 focus modes: Single-shot AF; Direct Manual Focus; AF
Automatic; AF Continuous
• Ultra wide AF area with 9 local focus points and central cross-hair sensor
• Centre-weighted, Spot and 40-segment honeycomb pattern metering mode
• Depth of Field preview
• Mode Dial for one-touch selection of exposure shooting modes: AUTO; Programme;
Aperture Priority; Shutter Priority; Manual; plus 6 Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape,
Macro, Night View, Sunset, Sports / Action)
• White Balance adjustment: AWB and 6 preset WB modes with manual colour correction,
Colour temperature manual selection with additional 19-step magenta/green
compensation, Custom setting
• High Speed Continuous Advance Shooting up to 3 fps
• Burst shooting: JPEG unlimited, 6 frames RAW, 3 frames RAW+JPEG (dependent on
memory card speed)
• Advanced flash modes as high synchronization speed, rear flash, wireless functions and
slow synch direct button access on camera
• Ambiance and flash separate exposure compensation scales
• 1600 mAh Lithium ion battery with STAMINA technology for up to 750 shots from single
charge (CIPA measurement, 50% usage of built-in flash)
• Built-in Flash plus support for multiple flash modes (Wireless, Slow Synchro, Rear
Synchro)
• Dimensions: 94.7 x 133.1 x 71.3 mm (L x W x D)
• Weight: 545g (without battery)
• CF media slot compatible with Type I/II (MicroDrive) media; supplied MemoryStick DUO
adapter
• Supplied image editing software: (1) Image Data Converter SR Ver.1.1 (2) Picture Motion
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The a100 represents the heart of a complete system that extends the
appeal of D-SLR photography to a mainstream audience of photographers.
The camera is complemented by a choice of lighting systems and other
accessories, plus an extensive range of compatible Sony alpha system lenses including premium optics from Carl Zeiss.

Advanced technology simplifies taking better pictures
The 100 features several technologies that broaden users’ creative
possibilities while assuring superior results for photographers of all abilities under a wide range of shooting conditions. These include:

10 Megapixel APS-C CCD sensor
With an outstanding resolution of 10 Megapixels (10.2 million effective
pixels), the APS-C size (15.8mm x 23.6mm) CCD sensor with RGB primary colour filter assures crisp, detailed images with a wide tonal range and subtle gradations. High sensitivity, high resolution and exceptionally low noise performance assures superb image reproduction, even at large print sizes.

Super SteadyShot inside camera body
Super SteadyShot compensates for camera vibrations at the instant the
shutter is released by shifting the CCD sensor in real time for sharper,
steadier pictures. It is implemented inside the camera body, eliminating the need for expensive, specialised optics with built-in image stabilisation.
Compatible with all Sony lens system optics – including macro, telephoto
and zoom models – Super SteadyShot typically compensates for the
equivalent of 2-3.5 steps in shutter speed. This allows users to decrease
camera ISO settings for improved picture quality or achieve successful
results without blur while shooting handheld in low light at longer exposure times.

Anti-Dust Protection System
The camera’s advanced anti-dust system minimises the effects of dust
particles entering the camera body when lenses are exchanged. The CCD
sensor’s anti-static coating acts as a barrier to dust, while a CCD vibration
function briefly shakes the sensor to dislodge dust particles every time the
1 100 is powered off. The sensor can be vibrated not only when powered off but also from the setup menu.

BIONZ image processing engine
This newly-developed processor optimises data from the camera’s 10
Megapixel CCD sensor, decreasing noise levels and ensuring faithful
reproduction of vivid, natural colours with rich tonal graduations and
exceptional reproduction of the finest detail.

Dynamic Range Optimiser
Dynamic Range Optimiser assures perfectly exposed pictures, especially
when shooting high-contrast or strongly backlit scenes that can lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail. Operating in Standard or Advanced modes, Dynamic Range Optimiser automatically adjusts gamma curve and exposure levels for more natural, evenly-exposed pictures under “difficult” lighting conditions, such as when shooting against the sun.

2.5” 230K pixel Clear Photo LCD Plus Screen
The large, bright, easy-to-view 2.5” screen features an extremely high 230K pixel resolution with Clear Photo LCD Plus technology for accurate
reproduction of fine detail and subtle tones. The screen’s AR (anti-reflection) coating and Clear Treatment glare-reducing layer assures vivid, accurate colours with a wide viewing angle, even in daylight. The on-screen navigation display shows camera settings and key shooting information in large, easyto- read text. The display’s orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned on its side.

Growing family of quality optics
The 100 is supported from launch with a choice of compatible Sony lens system optics, ranging from zoom, telephoto and wide angle to macro and
teleconverter models.

Sony G lens
Delivers superb imaging quality with excellent light-gathering power and low distortion, plus consistent quality over all focal lengths for zoom lenses. Specially coated optical surfaces reduce flare and ghosting, even with tricky into-the-sun shots.

Carl Zeiss range
Offering the very highest levels of optical excellence, performance and
reliability, the premium range of compatible Planar, Sonnar and Vario-Sonnar lenses by Carl Zeiss draws on 150 years of experience in producing optical instruments of the ultimate precision and quality. The 100 also offers compatibility with more than 16 million Konica Minolta – mount lenses that have been sold worldwide under the Maxxum/Dynax brands.

Lighting Systems
In addition to its built-in flash, the 100 is augmented by a range of
compatible flashes and lighting systems. Suitable for use on-body or offcamera,two flashes feature wireless TTL, high-accuracy ADI metering
technology and high-speed synch. A Macro Twin Flash and Ring Light are
suited to Macro photography.

Optional accessories
The appeal of the 100 is enhanced with a full range of compatible – branded accessories. These include adaptors, extension cables and external battery
adaptors for off-camera and multiple flash; plus an eyepiece magnifier, angle finder, eyepiece corrector, remote commander and AC adaptor/charger.
There is also a choice of branded camera case, lens case and strap options.

Availability
The Sony 100 will be available throughout Europe from July 2006.